About Cosby Nature Trail:
From Cosby, hikers can access the Appalachian Trail via the Low Gap Trail. The Low Gap Trail is a strenuous 2.7-mile climb to Low Gap, where it intersects with the Appalachian Trail. From here, hikers can turn north or south on the AT for extended backpacking trips or challenging day hikes. The overall quietude of the Cosby area, combined with its direct access to the AT, makes it a favored spot for serious hikers and those seeking a more traditional camping experience. The Cosby Nature Trail offers an easier, shorter loop for those looking for a gentle stroll through the forest. The Cosby area also provides access to the Gabes Mountain Trail, leading to Hen Wallow Falls, another less-frequented waterfall.
55. Ace Gap Trail: Cades Cove, 5.6 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 56. Backcountry Horse Camp Trails (various): Throughout park, designated for horses. [NPS] 57. Balsam Corner Trail: Balsam Mountain, 2.5 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 58. Bearpen Hollow Trail: Cataloochee, 1.8 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 59. Birch Spring Gap Trail: Cosby, 2.7 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 60. Bradley Fork Trail: Smokemont, 6.5 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 61. Brightwater Loop Trail: Deep Creek, 0.5 miles loop, Easy. [NPS] 62. Buckhorn Gap Trail: Greenbrier, 4.3 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 63. Cades Cove Nature Trail: Cades Cove Loop Road, 0.8 miles loop, Easy. [NPS] 64. Cataract Falls Trail: Sugarlands, 0.25 miles out-and-back, Easy. [NPS] 65. Charlies Bunion (via AT from Newfound Gap): Newfound Gap, 8 miles out-and-back, Strenuous. [NPS] 66. Chasteen Creek Trail: Smokemont, 2.2 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 67. Cherokee Orchard Road Trail (closed to vehicles): Gatlinburg, 3.4 miles one-way, Easy. [NPS] 68. Chestnut Branch Trail: Cosby, 2.0 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 69. Clingmans Dome Bypass Trail: Kuwohi, 0.5 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 70. Cold Spring Gap Trail: Cosby, 1.5 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 71. Cooper Road Trail: Cades Cove, 10.9 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 72. Cosby Nature Trail: Cosby Campground, 1.0 miles loop, Easy. [NPS] 73. Creek Walk Trail: Deep Creek, 0.5 miles loop, Easy. [NPS] 74. Deep Creek Horse Trail: Deep Creek, 5.0 miles loop, Moderate. [NPS] 75. Dry Sluice Gap Trail: Newfound Gap Road, 2.5 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 76. East Fork Trail: Cataloochee, 3.5 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 77. Ekaneetlee Gap Trail: Twentymile, 3.0 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 78. Firescald Ridge Trail: Cosby, 4.5 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 79. Flat Creek Trail: Cataloochee, 2.0 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 80. Fork Ridge Trail: Kuwohi, 4.9 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 81. Gatlinburg Bypass Trail: Gatlinburg, 2.5 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 82. Grotto Falls (via Trillium Gap Trail): Roaring Fork, 2.6 miles out-and-back, Moderate. [NPS] 83. Hazel Creek Trail: Fontana Lake (boat access), 15.3 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 84. High Rocks Trail: Cosby, 2.0 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 85. Hog Camp Gap Trail: Cataloochee, 3.5 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 86. Indian Grave Gap Trail: Cosby, 2.0 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 87. Jakes Creek Trail: Elkmont, 3.3 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 88. Kephart Prong Trail: Newfound Gap Road, 4.2 miles out-and-back, Moderate, historic CCC camp. [NPS] 89. Lead Cove Trail: Cades Cove, 1.8 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 90. Little Greenbrier Trail: Metcalf Bottoms, 3.0 miles one-way, Moderate, historic schoolhouse. [NPS] 91. Longstreet Trail: Elkmont, 1.0 miles loop, Easy. [NPS] 92. Lumber Ridge Trail: Sugarlands, 4.2 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 93. Manway Trail: Cosby, 2.0 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 94. Meigs Creek Trail: Little River Road, 3.2 miles loop, Moderate, multiple stream crossings. [NPS] 95. Middle Prong Trail: Tremont, 4.0 miles one-way, Moderate, multiple waterfalls. [NPS] 96. Mingus Creek Trail: Oconaluftee, 5.8 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 97. Miry Ridge Trail: Kuwohi, 5.0 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 98. Mount Sterling Trail: Big Creek, 5.7 miles one-way, Strenuous, fire tower. [NPS] 99. Old Sugarlands Trail: Sugarlands, 3.0 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 100. Panther Creek Trail: Twentymile, 2.0 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 101. Porters Creek Trail: Greenbrier, 3.7 miles one-way, Moderate, Fern Branch Falls. [NPS] 102. Road Prong Trail: Newfound Gap Road, 2.7 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 103. Rocky Top (via AT from Kuwohi): Kuwohi, 5.6 miles out-and-back, Strenuous. [NPS] 104. Roundtop Trail: Cosby, 2.0 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 105. Salt House Branch Trail: Cosby, 2.0 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 106. Smokemont Loop Trail: Smokemont Campground, 6.1 miles loop, Moderate. [NPS] 107. Spence Field (via Bote Mountain Trail): Cades Cove, 6.9 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 108. Sugarlands Ridge Trail: Sugarlands, 0.8 miles loop, Easy. [NPS] 109. Sweat Heifer Creek Trail: Newfound Gap Road, 4.5 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS] 110. Tricorner Knob (via AT): Various access, high elevation. [NPS] 111. Turkeypen Ridge Trail: Cosby, 3.0 miles one-way, Moderate. [NPS] 112. West Prong Trail: Tremont, 2.0 miles one-way, Easy. [NPS] 113. Wolf Ridge Trail: Twentymile, 3.0 miles one-way, Strenuous. [NPS]
Best time to visit
Spring brings wildflowers and roaring waterfalls. Summer is busiest — arrive early. Fall is peak season for foliage (mid-October typical). Winter offers solitude, ice-rimed rock, and sharp long views, but expect road closures at high elevations.
Getting there
From downtown Cosby, head toward the park entrances at Sugarlands (Gatlinburg side) or Oconaluftee (Cherokee side). A "Park It Forward" parking tag is required anywhere inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park for stays over 15 minutes (daily $5 / weekly $15 / annual $40 via recreation.gov or park kiosks).
Know before you go
Carry more water than you expect to need. Mountain weather shifts fast — pack a rain layer and warm layer even in summer. Black bears are active throughout the park. Keep at least 50 yards of distance, make yourself visible, and never leave food unattended. Stay on marked trails to protect fragile ecosystems and avoid getting lost — cell coverage is poor.
Where to stay nearby
Most visitors to Cosby Nature Trail: base out of Cosby or the nearby GSMNP area. Cabins, hotels, and B&Bs are all well-represented. See the Stay22 map below for live availability and pricing.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a parking tag?
- Yes — a Park It Forward parking tag is required for vehicles parked more than 15 minutes anywhere inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Daily ($5), weekly ($15), or annual ($40) tags are available via recreation.gov or park kiosks.